Apparatus for and method of using an intelligent network and RFID signal router

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems for, and methods of transporting digital signals and radio-frequency (“RF”) signals are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an intelligent network (e.g., a combination router) and corresponding method are provided for transporting RF signals to, for example, an RFID antenna and transporting digital signals to, for example, a controller. In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent network is implemented with a manager unit for controlling a plurality of network devices to facilitate the efficient management of RFID-enabled devices. The network devices may include a combination router/switch, which has the capability of switching both digital data and RF data, RFID readers, RFID reader/writer pads, and other devices. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the intelligent network allows enhanced flexibility in controlling systems for interrogation of RFID antennae.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 60/657,709, filed Mar. 3, 2005; and 60/673,757, filedApr. 22, 2005, which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

This application also expressly incorporates the following U.S. patentapplications by reference in their entirety: U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/338,892, filed Jan. 9, 2003; Ser. No. 10/348,941, filed Nov.20, 2003; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/346,388, filedJan. 9, 2002; 60/350,023, filed Jan. 23, 2002; 60/469,024, filed May 9,2003; 60/479,846, filed Jun. 20, 2003; and 60/571,877 filed May 18,2004.

BACKGROUND

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems typically use one or morereader antennae to send radio frequency (RF) signals to items comprisingRFID tags. The use of such RFID tags to identify an item or person iswell known in the art. In response to the RF signals from a readerantenna, the RFID tags, when excited, produce a disturbance in themagnetic field (or electric field) that is detected by the readerantenna. Typically, such tags are passive tags that are excited orresonate in response to the RF signal from a reader antenna when thetags are within the detection range of the reader antenna.

The detection range of the RFID systems is typically limited by signalstrength over short ranges, for example, frequently less than about onefoot for 13.56 MHz systems. Therefore, portable reader units may bemoved past a group of tagged items in order to detect all the taggeditems, particularly where the tagged items are stored in a spacesignificantly greater than the detection range of a stationary or fixedsingle reader antenna. Alternately, a large reader antenna withsufficient power and range to detect a larger number of tagged items maybe used. However, such an antenna may be unwieldy and may increase therange of the radiated power beyond allowable limits. Furthermore, thesereader antennae are often located in stores or other locations wherespace is at a premium and it is expensive and inconvenient to use suchlarge reader antennae. Alternatively, multiple small antennae may beused. However, such a configuration may be awkward to set up when spaceis at a premium and wiring is preferred or required to be hidden.

Current RFID reader antennae are designed to maintain a maximum readrange between the antenna and associated tags, without violating FCCregulations regarding radiated emissions. When tagged items are stacked,the read range of an antenna can be impeded due to “masking” of thestacked, tagged items. As a result, the masking limits the number oftags that an antenna may read at a given time, and consequently affectsthe number of products that may be read.

Resonant reader antenna systems are currently utilized in RFIDapplications, where numerous reader antennae are connected to a singlereader. Each reader antenna may have its own tuning circuit that is usedto match to the systems characteristic impedance. However, multiplereader antennae (or components thereof) cannot be individuallycontrolled when they are connected by a single transmission cable to areader unit.

SUMMARY

Apparatuses, systems for, and methods of transporting digital signalsand radio-frequency (“RF”) signals are disclosed. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention, an intelligent network, a device,and corresponding methods and systems are provided for transporting RFsignals to, for example, an RFID antenna and transporting digitalsignals to, for example, a controller. In a preferred embodiment, theintelligent network is implemented with a manager unit for controlling aplurality of network devices to facilitate the efficient management ofRFID-enabled devices. The devices may include a combinationrouter/switch, which has the capability of switching both digital dataand RF data, RFID readers, RFID reader/writer pads, and other devices(e.g., antennae). In accordance with preferred embodiments, theintelligent network allows enhanced flexibility in controlling systemsfor interrogation of RFID antennae.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the front side of a display fixture in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary antenna system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another exemplary antenna systemincorporating primary, gondola, and shelf controllers to select antennaein accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another exemplary antenna systemfurther incorporating additional gondola controllers in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another exemplary antenna systemfurther incorporating multiple RFID readers in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary combination routerin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary switchingapparatus for routing RF signals in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a simplified block diagram illustrating an exemplaryswitching apparatus for routing RF signals in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for routingdata and RF signals in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for routing dataand RF signals in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention; and

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate schematic representations of an exemplaryimplementation of a process in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe invention for determining an RF network topology; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an exemplary IntelliRouter™ in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an exemplary IntelliSwitch™ in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an exemplary IntelliPad™ in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary deployment of IntelliManager™ acrossseveral sites in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of hardware and software components in anexemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an RFID Read Process inaccordance with an exemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a Read process in accordance with anexemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a Reader Instance Manager in accordancewith an exemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 22 illustrates the creation of an RF path in accordance with anexemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 23 illustrates the destruction of an RF Path in accordance with anexemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a block schematic illustration of an exemplary implementationof a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 25 illustrates the response of an IntelliManager™ to faults on thenetwork in accordance with an exemplary implementation of a preferredembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments and applications of the invention will now bedescribed. Other embodiments may be realized and changes may be made tothe disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention. Although the preferred embodiments disclosed herein havebeen particularly described as applied to the field of RFID networks,devices, methods, and systems, and other signaling networks, devices,methods, and systems (e.g., DC pulse communications, and voltage-levelbased communications (Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL), etc.)), itshould be readily apparent that the invention may be embodied in anytechnology having the same or similar problems.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a display fixture, incorporating threebackplanes 1, 2, and 3 with attached shelves 4 and 5. In the examplesherein, antennae will be described that may be placed in, for example,approximately horizontal planes as at positions 6 and 7 in accordancewith preferred embodiments of the invention. This display fixture may beuseful for monitoring inventory of RFID tagged items, or other marked ortagged items, such as optical disk media 8 (shown on the shelves). Asused herein, the term “RFID tagged item” refers to an item marked ortagged in any manner capable of detection, including, but not limitedto, RFID, DC pulse communications, and voltage-level basedcommunications (TTL, etc.). As used herein, the term “RFID system,”“RFID antennae system,” “RFID reader,” “reader antennae,” or “RFID feedsystem” refers to any system or device capable of transporting signalsrelated to detection of marked or tagged items including, but notlimited to, RFID, DC pulse communications, and voltage-level basedcommunication systems. It is understood that any RFID tagged item can beused in place of optical disk media 8. Preferably optical disk media 8has an attached RFID tag 9 that can be detected by an RFID system. Thedisplay fixture of FIG. 1 is an exemplary implementation of a preferredembodiment, but it should be understood that other fixtures ornon-fixtures may embody the invention, and that antennae described herecan be used in orientations other than the exemplary horizontalorientation.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a multipleRFID antenna system is illustrated in FIG. 2. The exemplary antennasystem includes reader antennae 10, with associated antenna boards 20,gondola controllers 30, shelf controllers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, and an RFIDreader 50. The antenna boards 20 may not be needed for some antennadesigns. If present, antenna boards 20 may include tuning components(e.g., tuning circuitry) and other components (e.g., gondola controllers30, shelf controllers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c) and may include logic andswitching controls as necessary to perform the operations describedherein. In one embodiment, the antenna board may comprise reader antenna10.

The RFID feed system shown in FIG. 2 incorporates an RFID reader 50 anda feed line 45 (e.g., a coaxial cable) leading to a structure 70 (e.g.,a store display fixture or “gondola”). When additional gondolas areused, the additional gondolas (e.g., gondola 71) may be joined into thecircuit as described below.

The RF signal in cable 45 may be routed by gondola controller 30 so thatit is sent to shelves on gondola 70, or bypasses gondola 70 andcontinues on to additional gondolas such as gondola 71. In one preferredembodiment, the term “RF signal” refers to radio frequency signals used,for example, to interrogate an RFID reader antenna or group of antennae.However, it is understood that the term “RF signal” also refers to anyother signals capable of being used with the exemplary devices, systems,and methods including, but not limited to, DC pulse communications, orvoltage-level based communications (TTL, etc.).

In this embodiment, the term “shelf” refers to one shelf or a group ofshelves served by a single shelf controller 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, and theterm “gondola” refers to a structure including one or more shelves. Theterms “shelf” and “gondola,” however, are not meant to be limiting as tothe physical attributes of any structure that may be used to implementembodiments of the invention, but used merely for convenience inexplaining this embodiment. Any known structure for storing, housing, orotherwise supporting an object may be used in implementing the variousembodiments of the invention. For example, an RF switch 31 may eithercause the RF signal to bypass the gondola 70, and continue on throughconnection 80 a to gondola 71 (or through connection 80 b), or the RFswitch 31 may cause the RF signal to feed into gondola 70. It is to beunderstood that the term “RF switch” refers to any switch capable oftransmitting a signal including, but not limited to, RF, DC pulsecommunications, or voltage-level based communications (TTL, etc.)signals. Furthermore, one or more additional RF switches 32 may routethe RF signal to a particular shelf, for example, through connections 61a, 61 b, or 61 c to shelves 21 a, 21 b, or 21 c upon gondola 70. In apreferred embodiment, a shelf controller (e.g., controller 40 a) mayswitch the RF signal to one or more of the antenna boards 20 and then toantenna 10. It will be appreciated that while FIG. 2 shows three shelveson gondola 70, and eight antennae per shelf, any suitable number ofshelves and antennae per shelf may be used in accordance with preferredembodiments of the invention. Furthermore, RF switch 32 can also switchthe RF signal to an individual antenna. For example, RF switch 32 cantransport the RF signal to antenna 11 (through connection 61 d andantenna board 12).

In one embodiment, the use of RF switch 31 may result in an “insertionloss.” That is, some RF power may be lost as the signal passes throughthe switch. Thus, the level of RF power reaching gondola 71 andsuccessive additional gondolas may be less than the RF power reachinggondola 70. It is to be understood that the term “RF power” refers toany power source capable of being used with the devices, systems, andmethods described herein including, but not limited to, RF, DC pulsecommunications, or voltage-level based communication (TTL, etc.) power.In one embodiment, however, the RF power may be approximately equal ateach antenna 10. For example, it may be desired to set the RF powerlevel at a given antenna 10 high enough to read all RFID tags attachedto items resting on the given antenna 10, but not so high as to readRFID tags attached to items resting on adjacent antennae. RF attenuatorscan be used in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention toadjust and/or equalize the power level at each antenna 10. For example,RF attenuators (not shown) could be placed between a shelf controller(e.g., controller 40 a) and each antenna 10 and used to regulate the RFpower at each gondola. It is to be understood that the term “RFattenuator” refers to any attenuator capable of adjusting and/orequalizing the power level at each antenna including, but not limitedto, RF, DC pulse communications, or voltage-level based communication(TTL, etc.) power. The RF attenuators may be chosen, for example, toattenuate the RF power more at gondola 70 and less at gondola 71 andsuccessive additional gondolas. In one embodiment, RF attenuators may beplaced at other locations within the circuitry (e.g., in connections 61a, 61 b, 61 c, or between switches 31 and 32) to achieve the sameresult, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In anotherembodiment, a variable attenuator can be placed between the reader 50and the switch 30 such that the power can be digitally controlled foreach antenna 10. In another embodiment, the reader 50 may be capable ofvariable RF power output. Placing an RF power detection circuit on theshelf controllers (e.g., RF power detection circuit 41 located oncontroller 40 a) permits control of the RF power delivered to antenna10.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pluralityof antennae 10 optionally having associated antenna boards 20, shelfcontrollers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, gondola controllers 30, and associatedwiring, may all be contained in or on a physical structure, as shown,for example, in FIG. 2 as gondola 70 and gondola 71.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with the reader 50 beingcontrolled by a primary controller 100 that sends commands or controlsignals along control cable 105 to select which antenna is active at anytime. In one preferred embodiment, the control signal is a digitalsignal. The term “digital signal” refers, in one preferred embodiment,to any binary signal encoding data that can be transported via anysuitable carrier (e.g., CAN bus, RS-232, RS-485 serial protocols,Ethernet protocols, Token Ring networking protocols, etc). Betweengondolas (70, 71, etc.), the commands or control signals (e.g., digitalsignals) may be carried on control cable 81 a and 81 b. Within a shelf,the commands or control signals may be carried by cable or cables 35.The primary controller 100 may be a processing device (e.g.,microprocessor, discrete logic circuit, application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), programmable logic circuit, digital signal processor(DSP), etc.). Furthermore, the shelves may also be configured with shelfcontrollers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, and the gondola controller 30 withcircuitry 34 for communicating with the primary controller 100 to, forexample, select antennae 10. The shelf controllers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c andgondola controllers 30 may also be microprocessors (or other processingdevices) with sufficient input/output control lines to control the RFswitches connected to their associated antennae.

In one preferred embodiment, primary controller 100 may selectivelyoperate any of the switches by sending commands (e.g., via digitalsignals) containing a unique address associated with antenna 10 through,for example, a digital data communication cable 105. The addresses couldbe transmitted through the use of addressable switches (e.g., switchesidentical or functionally equivalent to a Dallas Semiconductor DS2405“1-Wire®” addressable switch). Each such addressable switch, forexample, provides a single output that may be used for switching asingle antenna. Preferably, the primary controller 100 may selectivelyoperate any or all the switches by utilizing one or more gondolacontrollers 30 and/or shelf controllers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c. For example,these controllers may be a processing device, which can provide multipleoutputs for switching more than one antenna (e.g., all the antennae 10in proximity to the shelf controller 40 a, 40 b, 40 c). The primarycontroller 100 may also be any processing device. Communications betweenthe primary controller 100 and the gondola controller 30, for example,can be implemented by using communication signals in accordance withwell known communication protocols (e.g., CAN bus, RS-232, RS-485 serialprotocols, Ethernet protocols, Token Ring networking protocols, etc.).Likewise communications between the gondola controller 30 and shelfcontroller 40 a, 40 b, 40 c may be implemented by the same or differentcommunication protocols.

The term “intelligent station” generally refers to equipment, such as ashelf, which may include controllers, switches and/or tuning circuitry,and/or antennae. More than one intelligent station may be connectedtogether and connected to or incorporated with an RFID reader. A primarycontroller can be used to run the RFID reader and the intelligentstations. The primary controller itself may be controlled by applicationsoftware residing on a computer. In one embodiment, an “intelligentstation” is an “intelligent shelf.”

In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent shelf system is controlledthrough an electronic network 120, as shown in FIG. 3. The network caninclude, for example, the Internet, Ethernet, a local network,Controller Area Network (CAN), serial, Local Area Network (LAN), WideArea Network (WAN). A controlling system that controls the intelligentshelf system will send command data to the primary controller 100 viaEthernet, RS-232, or other signaling protocol. These commands include,but are not limited to, instructions for operating the RFID reader unit50 and switches associated with gondola controllers 30 and shelfcontrollers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c. The primary controller 100 is programmedto interpret the commands that are transmitted through the unit. If acommand is intended for the reader unit 50, the primary controller 100passes that command to the reader unit 50. Other commands could be usedfor selecting antennae 10, and these commands will be processed ifnecessary by primary controller 100 to determine what data should bepassed through digital data communication cable 105 to the gondolacontrollers 30 and, for example, on to the shelf controllers 40 a, 40 b,40 c.

Likewise, the shelf controllers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, and the gondolacontrollers 30 can transport data signals to the primary controller 100,as can the reader unit 50. In one preferred embodiment, primarycontroller 100 transports result data back to the controlling systemthrough the electronic network 120. The inventory control processingunit 130, shown in FIG. 3, is one example of such a controlling system.As discussed further herein with respect to the intelligent shelfsystem, the electronic network and controlling system are usedinterchangeably to depict that the intelligent shelf system may becontrolled by the controlling system connected to the intelligent shelfsystem through an electronic network 120.

Primary controller 100 of FIG. 3 can determine whether a command fromthe electronic network 120 should be sent via a digital signal to reader50, or should be sent through the communication cable 105. Primarycontroller 100 can relay data it receives from the communication cable105, and from reader unit 50, back to the electronic network 120. In onepreferred embodiment, the electronic network issues a command to readone or more antennae. In this embodiment, the primary controller 100 cansend a digital signal to (a) set the proper switch or switches for thatantenna, (b) activate the reader, (c) receive data back from the reader,(d) deactivate the reader, and (e) send the data back to the electronicnetwork 120. Further details of the processing of command signals from ahost by the controller can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/338,892 (filed Jan. 9, 2003), which has been incorporated byreference in its entirety herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary controller 100 can be placedbetween the electronic network 120 and the reader as shown, for example,in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, a variety of reader types (e.g., readers50) can be used as needed. For example, the commands from the electronicnetwork 120 to the controller 100 may be transported using genericcontrol data (e.g., not reader-specific), thus allowing for expandeduses by various types of readers. In this preferred embodiment, theelectronic network 120 can send a “read antennae” command to acontroller 100. The controller 100 in turn can then translate thiscommand into the appropriate command syntax required by each reader unit50. Likewise, the controller 100 can also receive the response syntaxfrom the reader unit 50 (which may differ based on the type of thereader unit), and parse it into a generic response back to theelectronic network 120. The command and response syntax may differ foreach type of reader unit 50, but the primary controller 100 makes thistransparent to the electronic network 120.

In FIG. 3, a portion of the control cable 81 a that extends beyond shelf70, and a portion of the RF cable 80 a extends beyond shelf 70, areshown outside of the shelf. However, as would be recognized by thoseskilled in the art, these extended portions of the cables may also becontained within the shelf or another structure. Additional extendedcontrol cable portions 81 b and additional extended RF cable portions 80b may be used to connect to more shelves or groups of shelves. Likewise,additional shelves (not shown) may be added to groups of shelves, forexample, to gondolas 70 or 71 as would be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

The item information data collected by the reader units 50 from each ofthe intelligent shelves may be transmitted to an inventory controlprocessing unit 130. The inventory control processing unit 130 istypically configured to receive item information from the intelligentshelves. The inventory control processing unit 130 is typicallyconnected to the intelligent shelves over an electronic network 120 andis also associated with an appropriate data store 140 that storesinventory related data including reference tables and also program codeand configuration information relevant to inventory control orwarehousing. The inventory control processing unit 130 is alsoprogrammed and configured to perform inventory control functions thatare well known to those skilled in the art. For example, some of thefunctions performed by an inventory control (or warehousing) unitinclude: storing and tracking quantities of inventoried items on hand,daily movements or sales of various items, tracking positions orlocations of various items, etc.

In operation, the inventory control system would determine iteminformation from the intelligent shelves that are connected to theinventory control processing unit 130 through an electronic network 120.In one preferred embodiment, one or more intelligent shelves arecontrolled by inventory control processing unit 130. Inventory controlprocessing unit 130 can determine when the reader units 50 are undercontrol of primary controller 100 and poll the antennae 10 to obtainitem inventory information. In an alternate embodiment, thecontroller(s) 100 may be programmed to periodically poll the connectedmultiple antennae for item information and then transmit the determineditem information to the inventory control processing unit 130 using areverse “push” model of data transmission. In a further embodiment, thepolling and data transmission of item information by the primarycontroller 100 may be event driven, for example, triggered by a periodicreplenishment of inventoried items on the intelligent shelves. In eachcase, the primary controller 100 would selectively energize the multipleantennae connected to reader 50 to determine item information from theRFID tags associated with the items to be inventoried.

Once the item information is received from the reader units 50 of theintelligent shelves, the inventory control processing unit 130 processesthe received item information using, for example, programmed logic,code, and data at the inventory control processing unit 130 and at theassociated data store 140. The processed item information is thentypically stored at the data store 140 for future use in the inventorycontrol system and method of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment, showing parts of the systemthat connect to several gondola controllers 30, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 30 e,and 30 f. Other parts of a system that may be associated with a gondola70, 71, as shown in FIG. 3, for simplicity are not repeated in FIG. 4(or if repeated, are not described where the structural and functionalaspects are substantially the same as in FIG. 3). FIG. 4 illustrates howan RFID reader 50 may send RF signals along connection 45 to gondolacontroller 30 and how the RF signals may then be directed to additionalgondola controllers along connections 80 a, 80 b, 80 c, 80 d, 80 e, and80 f. Likewise primary controller 100 may send commands or controlsignals along cable 105 to gondola controller 30, and from there on toadditional gondola controllers through connections 81 a, 81 b, 81 c, 81d, 81 e, and 81 f. In a preferred embodiment, the command or controlsignals (e.g., digital signals) can select a communication route forsending an RF signal (e.g., from RFID reader 50 to connection 61 cthrough switches 31 and 32).

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment, showing parts of the systemthat connect to several gondola controllers 30, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 30 e,and 30 f. Other parts of a system that may be associated with a gondola,as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, for simplicity are not repeated in FIG. 5(or if repeated, are not described where the structural and functionalaspects are the same as in FIG. 3 or 4). FIG. 5 illustrates how a secondRFID reader 51 can send RF signals along connection 46 to gondolacontroller 30 d and how the RF signals may then be directed toadditional gondola controllers along connections 80 d, 80 e, and 80 f.Likewise another primary controller 101 may send commands or controlsignals along cable 106 to gondola controller 30 d, and from there on toadditional gondola controllers through connections 81 d, 81 e, and 81 f.In another preferred embodiment, using more than one controller 100, 101or RFID reader 50, 51 may improve reliability and speed.

The architecture of the Internet is an example of technology wheredigital data traveling between two computers is typically routed along apath that may pass through several intervening computers (also known asrouters). Furthermore the path may change from time to time, or evenduring a single transmission. Routing methods have been developed tocontrol the data path so that orderly and simultaneous transmissions mayoccur between multiple computers. Some of the routing methods that maybe used include distance-vector types such as RIP (Routing InformationProtocol) and (Cisco's) IGRP (Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), andlink-state methods such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and (Cisco's)EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing protocol). These routingmethods are well known and are used as examples only, but the concept ofa router is not limited by the routing method used to choose the datapath.

While the concept of a digital data router is known, one preferredembodiment of the invention is directed to a combination router thatroutes both RF and digital signals. The router, in one embodiment, cantransport an RF signal from an RFID reader 50, 51 along one or morepaths to a particular antenna or group of antennae. Such an RF routermay be used, for example, to provide redundancy or backup capability forthe RF signal paths. In another preferred embodiment, the router iscapable of transporting command or control signals (e.g., digital data)between a primary controller 100, 101 and an antenna or antennae 10. Inyet another embodiment, a switching system is provided for selectingcommunication routes (e.g., predetermined data pathways and throughpredetermined nodes or routers) for RF signals (e.g., between an RFIDreader and antenna(e)) and for data signals. In this embodiment, the RFsignals and data signals can be transported along an RF pathwayfollowing substantially the same communication route as the pathway fordigital signals. In one preferred embodiment, the communication routesfor RF signals and for digital signals are different. In order todetermine which pathways are available for RF signals, in one embodimentthe combination router may communicate RF or non-RF “neighbor query”signals over the available RF pathways. By using neighbor query signals,each combination router may determine which other combination routers orother devices are connected to the combination router, and the systemmay then determine all available RF pathways.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary combination router 600 for RF signals aswell as command or control signals in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention. Additional description of such a router canbe found in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/657,709, which has beenincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Preferably, thecombination router 600 may comprise one or more logical units 605 thatcooperate with a data router 610, and an RF router 650. It should beunderstood that such an exemplary combination router can comprise anysuitable number of logical units 605, data routers 610 and RF routers650. In an exemplary embodiment, the data router 610 and RF router 650are located proximate to one another, for example, within combinationrouter 600. For simplicity in the following discussion, one or more datarouters such as 610 may be designated “D”, and one or more RF routerssuch as 650 may be designated “R”. Furthermore for simplicity, logicalunits 605 with a combination router may be omitted from some drawings.Data router 610 may operate according to established routing methodssuch as RIP, OSPF, or any other routing method. In this example datarouter 610 has multiple ports that each may have bidirectionalcapabilities. For illustrative purposes, two such ports have beenlabeled as inputs 611 and 612, although more or fewer inputs may beused. Other ports have been labeled as outputs 621, 622, 623, and 624,although more or fewer outputs may be used. RF router 650 may operatesuch that the RF signals follow essentially the same routes as the datasignals, or RF router 650 may send RF signals along routes that aresimilar or even different from the data signals. In this example, RFrouter 650 has two inputs 631 and 632 and four outputs 641, 642, 643,and 644, although more or fewer inputs and outputs may be used. It isunderstood the terms “input” and “output” are used for convenienceherein, and that RF and data communications may take place in eitherdirection. For example, data signals and RF signals can be transportedfrom a controller and an RF antenna respectively through the “outputs”of the combination router and out the “inputs” to their destination(e.g., a primary controller 100, 101 and an RFID reader 50, 51,respectively). In addition, devices (e.g., reader) which may beconnected in some portions of the network to an “input” port may beattached to an “output” port without limiting the functionality orcapabilities of the devices in the system or the configuration of thesystem. Similarly, other devices (e.g., antenna) which may be connectedin some portions of the network to an “output” port may be attached toan “input” port without limiting the functionality or capabilities ofthe devices in the system or the configuration of the system.

Data router 610 may be a “router” such as is used on the Internet or onother digital networks, or it may be any device which accomplishes thetask of routing digital data. It is well known that digital data may bedivided into “packets” for transmission over networks. In passingthrough a data router 610, the data may temporarily be placed in localmemory while data switching is being done. “Switching” may occur suchthat data received through an “input” is then routed to one or more“outputs,” or back out a second “input.” However, for explanationpurposes here it will be assumed that data is received in one input andare routed to one output.

In one preferred embodiment, RF router 650 is configured so that oneinput is routed to one and only one output, although a plurality ofswitching devices may be provided to switch individual signals. FIG. 7Ashows an example where an RF signal entering on input connection 631 isrouted through RF switch 6510 to output connection 643. Also, an RFsignal entering on input connection 632 is routed through RF switch 6520to output connection 641. In FIG. 7B, the diagram is simplified by theuse of a crossover (“X”) 6530 to denote the RF path, without showing thedetails of RF switches 6510 and 6520. The RF switches 6510, 6520, 6530may include any number and type of devices capable of switching an RFsignal, for example, PIN diodes or other RF switching devices.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system for routing data and RF signalsin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Anelectronic network 120 may be used with connection 121 to a primarycontroller 100, and an RFID reader 50 may be connected to primarycontroller 100. One or more additional primary controllers may be used,such as primary controller 101 (connected to the electronic network 120through connection 122 and having an RFID reader 51 connected. Asdescribed herein, the readers 50, 51 may be controlled by the primarycontrollers 100, 101. One or more combination routers 600, 601, 602,etc. may be provided to route data and RF signals. For example, primarycontroller 100 may be connected via connection 105 to a data input onthe data (“D”) part of combination router 600, and may also be connectedto a data input on the data (“D”) part of another combination router601. Also, for example, RFID reader 50 may be connected via connection45 to an RF input on the RF (“R”) part of combination router 600, andmay also be connected to an RF input on the RF (“R”) part of anothercombination router 601. Each combination router 600, 601, 602, etc. cancomprise any suitable number of logical units 605, data routers 610, andRF routers 650.

Similarly, additional primary controller 101 may be connected viaconnection 106 to a data input on the data (“D”) router of combinationrouter 600, and may also be connected to a data input on the data (“D”)router of another combination router 601. Also for example, RFID reader51 may be connected via connection 46 to an RF input on the RF (“R”)router of combination router 600, and may also be connected to an RFinput on the RF (“R”) router of another combination router 601 viaconnection 46. The data inputs 105 and 106 are understood to beconnected to different inputs on the combination routers, as are the RFinputs 45 and 46.

Additional combination routers may be provided, such as combinationrouter 602. Further, the combination routers may be connected to othercombination routers (such as the output of combination router 600 beingconnected to the input of combination router 602). Further thecombination routers may be connected to other devices such as antennasystems 651, 652, 653, 654, and 655. Furthermore, as taught herein,other devices connected to the combination router may connect toadditional devices.

FIG. 8 further illustrates several preferred embodiments with alternateconnection options. For example, combination router 600 can beconfigured with switch paths “a” connected and switch paths “c”disconnected and with combination router 601 configured with switchpaths “b” connected and with switch paths “d” disconnected. In thisillustration, the data signals from primary controller 100 and the RFsignals from RFID reader 50 are routed through connected switch paths“b” in combination router 601 to antenna system 655, while the datasignals from primary controller 101 and the RF signals from RFID reader51 are routed through connected switch paths “a” in combination router600 to antenna system 651.

In another example (not illustrated), combination router 600 may beconfigured with switch paths “c” connected, and switch paths “a”disconnected and combination router 601 is configured with switch paths“d” connected and with switch paths “b” disconnected. Further, forexample, combination router 602 may be configured with switch paths “e”and “f” connected and with switch paths “g” disconnected. In this case,the data signals from primary controller 100 and the RF signals fromRFID reader 50 are routed through switch paths “c” and “f” to antennasystem 654, while the data signals from primary controller 101 and theRF signals from RFID reader 51 are routed through switch paths “d” and“e” to antenna system 653.

Not all available (or possible number of) switch pathways areillustrated in FIG. 8. As shown previously as an example in FIG. 7A,each of the two data signals input to a combination router 600, 601, 602may be sent along any one of the four exemplary through paths, or alongno path at all. Any number of paths and/or ports may be used. Likewiseeach of the two RF signals input to a combination router 600, 601, 602may be sent along any one of four through paths, or along no path atall. Preferably, a data signal and its associated RF signal (e.g., datasignal along connection 105 and RF signal along connection 45) willfollow a path through the same combination routers. It is thereforepossible using the system illustrated in FIG. 8 to have primarycontroller 100 and its associated RFID reader 50 communicate with any ofthe antenna systems (e.g., 651, 652, 653, 654, 655). Likewise primarycontroller 101 and its associated RFID reader 51 may communicate withany of the antenna systems.

In an illustrated operation of the exemplary embodiment represented bythe system of FIG. 8, the electronic network 120 may provide a commandto read antenna system 654. The system may then determine a method toread the desired antenna system 654. Methods of routing such as the RIPmethod and the OSPF method (or other methods) may be utilized todetermine a path for digital data between the electronic network 120 andantenna system 654. As an example, the logical unit 605 (FIG. 6) withineach combination router 600, 601, 602 may communicate with othercombination routers 600, 601, 602 and with the primary controllers 100,101 and electronic network 120 to establish a suitable data path.Parameters such as the operating readiness of the combination routers600, 601, 602 may be considered by the system in determining a suitabledata path. When a suitable data path has been established through one ormore combination routers 600, 601, 602, the RF path may be set along apath through the same combination routers 600, 601, 602, or additionalparameters such as the operating readiness of RF switching componentsmay be considered to determine if the proposed route would be suitablefor the RF path. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the primarycontroller 100, 101 may be configured to establish the data path usingknown routing methods such as OSPF or RIP. In a preferred embodiment,the electronic network 120 may also have some intelligence, for example,to send control messages to the primary controller 100, 101 to assist insetting up the path.

If no data path can be determined, an alternate pathway can bedetermined. For example, as an alternative the RF operational readinessparameters may be considered as factors in the initial pathway selectionalgorithm or other methodology utilized by the primary controller 100,101.

It should be noted that additional devices may be attached to theexemplary system shown in FIG. 8. For example, a device such as gondolacontroller 630 (as previously described) may be connected to one of theoutputs of combination router 602. When an appropriate pathway (notshown but designated “g”) is provided, digital data may be provided togondola controller 630, and may continue to other devices alongconnection 681. Likewise, RF signals may be connected to gondolacontroller 630, and may continue to other devices along connection 680.The other devices may include other gondola controllers or othercombination controllers.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more system components (e.g.,combination router 600, 601, 602) may include circuitry to determine theoperation (e.g., the RF power, active status, fault status, etc.) at oneor more devices (e.g., readers) at various locations in the system. TheRF power of such devices (e.g., of a reader), for example, in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the invention, can be adjusted orattenuated so that a desired power level is obtained at the component(e.g., combination router 600, 601, 602, a particular one or moreantennae 10, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the system component(e.g., combination router 600, 601, 602) may also comprise circuitry tomeasure the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) when a particular antennais selected, in order to gain information about the antenna or the RFconnection between the router and the antenna. Ideally, the VSWR is 1.0,but it can be greater than 1.0 if the antenna is disconnected or is notoptimally tuned. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the systemmay use the VSWR information measured by the component to provide alertsabout suboptimal operation, or to cause the antenna tuning to beadjusted, for example, through variable tuning components such asvaractors (voltage controlled capacitors).

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating asystem using combination routers 600, 601, 602 in accordance with apreferred embodiment. For exemplary purposes only, the path described isfrom the electronic network 120 through RF reader 50 and/or primarycontroller 100, to antenna system 653. In step 900, the combinationrouters 600, 601, 602 may perform a self-check and determine theirstatus. Such a self-check could comprise an integrity check (e.g., adetermination of which input and output ports on data router 610 werefunctional or were connected to or in communication with other devicesas is well known in the art). The combination routers 600, 601, 602 asdescribed previously may contain a logic unit 605 that may be amicrocomputer device programmed to routinely perform integrity checksand communicate their status to other devices.

In addition to the integrity checks, the combination routers 600, 601,602 may also check the integrity of the RF router 650 in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. Such an integrity check may, forexample, determine whether the RF switches (e.g., RF switches 6510,6520, 6530) are functioning properly through a test or from recentlogged data. These checks may also include determining the type ofdevice that is connected to the output ports (e.g., antenna 10, router602, RF switches 6510, 6520, etc.). The diagnostics can also determineif the antennae 10 connected to the device are within operationalparameters.

In step 905, the combination router 600 may communicate its status toother components of the system (e.g., combination routers 601, 602,electronic network 120, etc.). The combination routers 600, 601, 602and/or the electronic network 120 may then store the status informationfor use in determining available routes for data and RF signals.

In step 910, the next antenna 10 to be read is determined from, forexample, a table, an ordered list, a priority queue, a schedule, a userinput, other factors, or a combination of some or all factors.

In step 915, the available routes by which a reader 50 and/or primarycontroller 100 may communicate with the desired antenna system 653 aredetermined by a variety of factors (e.g., the stored status information,recent history such as the outcome of earlier attempts to communicatewith the desired antenna 10, etc.).

In step 920, if applicable, a data route may be selected from theavailable data routes. (If not applicable, flow advances to step 940.)Such selection may be based on criteria such as a routing method, forexample, RIP or OSPF, or on other criteria suitable for determining adata route.

In step 925, a data connection may be established between a primarycontroller 100 and the desired antenna 10. For example, the dataconnection may be established by causing the appropriate data switches(not shown) to be set in one or more combination routers 600, 601, 602.

In step 930, that the data connection has been established may beverified between the primary controller 100 and the desired antenna 10.This verification could, for example, be by a “handshake” communicationbetween the primary controller 100 and the antenna system 653.

In step 935, the acceptability of the data connection may be decided. Ifthe data connect is not acceptable, the flow returns to step 920 toselect an alternate data route. If the data connection is acceptable,the flow next moves to step 940.

In step 940, an available RF route may be selected. Preferably, thisroute will be through the same combination routers 600, 601, 602 as thedata connection. Thus the data routing method (augmented by RF integritychecks in step 900) may be used to select the RF route as well.

In step 945, the appropriate RF switches 6510, 6520, 6530 may be set inone or more combination routers 600, 601, 602 in order to provide an RFconnection between the RFID reader 50 and the antenna system 653.

In step 950, that the RF connection has been established may be verifiedbetween the RFID reader 50 and the desired antenna 10. This verificationcould, for example, be by a confirmation from the combination router(s)600, 601, 602 that the appropriate RF switch(es) 6510, 6520, 6530 hadbeen set, or could be, as another example, through a VSWR check toensure the RF connection is operating within allowable limits.

In step 955, the acceptability of the RF connection is decided. If theRF connection is not acceptable, the flow returns to step 940 to selectan alternate RF route. Alternately, the flow may return to step 920 andselect a different data route. If the RF connection is acceptable, theflow moves to step 960.

In step 960, the RFID reader 50 is turned on, if it has been off or onstandby during the previous operations. Having the RFID reader 50 off oron standby may save power, reduce extraneous RF transmissions, andprevent damage to RF switches 6510, 6520, 6530 during state changes.

In step 965, the RFID tags (e.g. RFID tag 9) are read (e.g., by theconnected antenna system 653).

In step 970, any data obtained from the RFID tags 9 may be stored.

In step 975, the RFID reader 50 may be turned off (or placed onstandby).

In step 980, the time for status updates is determined. If it is timefor a status update, the flow may return to step 900 and continue fromthere. Alternately, the combination routers 600, 601, 602 independentlymay continuously or periodically check status per steps 900-905. If astatus check is not needed, or after a status check is performed, theflow continues in step 910 by determining which antenna 10 to read next.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, anintelligent network may be implemented to facilitate transportation ofsignals. In an RFID-based system, for example, where RFID signals are tobe transported, such an intelligent network may be used to manage thetransportation of RFID signals to and from RFID-enabled devices.Preferably, the intelligent network employs one or more manager unitsused to manage the network. The manager units may incorporate one ormore microprocessors or other processing devices used to execute theoperations described herein. In particular, the manager units controlthe network processing of signals over the network and coordinate theinclusion/exclusion of devices on the network.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the intelligent networkfurther includes one or more network devices that use the signalstransported over the network or facilitate transportation of suchsignals. The network devices may include one or more combination routersand/or combination switches, as described above, that have thecapability of processing and facilitating the transporting of both RFdata and digital data signals. Like the manager unit, the networkdevices may incorporate one or more microprocessors or other processingdevices to execute the operations described herein. The network devicesmay further include RFID readers used to read RFID-enabled devices, aswell as RFID reader/writer pads used to read and write RFID-enableddevices.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the intelligent networkoperates to automatically and dynamically reconfigure its networktopology as network devices are included or excluded during operation.Preferably, when any network device attempts to be added to theintelligent network, its presence in the network is detected by themanager unit. In a preferred embodiment, for example, a new networkdevice when activated on the intelligent network may issue anotification to the manager unit (directly or through other networkdevices). The manager unit upon receiving the notification reconfiguresits map of the network topology.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a new network device may alsobe detected by its neighboring network devices. Neighboring networkdevices may detect the notification sent by the new network device andalert the manager unit of the location of the new network device. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, neighboringnetwork devices detect each other preferably by detecting and exchanginginformation over the same line for which RF signals will travel. Thisalert causes the manager unit to be alerted of the new network device,the RF topology and other aspects of the network, and allows the managerunit to reconfigure its map of the network topology.

By continuously maintaining and reconfiguring a network topology, themanager unit is able to more efficiently set up and control the paths ofthe RF and digital data signals that are transported through the networkfrom one network device to another.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the systemprovides information regarding one or more network devices (e.g.,reader, antenna, etc.) or their ports to determine their status (e.g.,fault), characteristics (e.g., power level), etc. The information may beprovided by the network devices themselves, neighboring network devices,or other devices (e.g., sensors) located throughout the network. Basedon such information one or more components (e.g., manager unit) may bedesignated to control the operation of the devices (or the routing ofinformation to such devices) to facilitate ultimate operation of thenetwork.

EXAMPLES

The following descriptions of FIGS. 10-25 illustrate exemplaryimplementations of preferred embodiments of the invention as applied toan RFID-enabled system.

IntelliNetwork™

The intelligent network in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention may be implemented using a network known, in this example, as“IntelliNetwork™,” which is a flexible and scalable network ofintelligent devices that provide RF signal routing and switching. Thenames used herein are for exemplary purposes only. An exemplary use ofthe IntelliNetwork™ is for building RFID systems. One or more RFIDreaders may be connected into an RF communication network comprising theintelligent devices connected together by RF communication means (forexample coaxial cable). RFID signals may thus be communicated from theRFID reader, through the IntelliNetwork™, to one or more antennae. Theintelligent devices (or “IntelliDevices™”) themselves, besides helpingconvey the RF signal, also are connected together by a digital datanetwork used for controlling and monitoring the IntelliDevices™.

The intelligent devices include IntelliRouters™, IntelliSwitches™, andIntelliPads™. These devices will be described first, followed by theIntelliManager™ software that controls the intelligent devices.

Preferably, the IntelliNetwork™ devices have several capabilities forfacilitating their management and use in a network environment. They mayuse DHCP Client implementation, that is, the Dynamic Host ConfigurationProtocol, an Internet protocol for automating the configuration ofcomputers that use TCP/IP communications. They may use SNMP (SimpleNetwork Management Protocol), which has become a de facto standard forInternet work management. The intelligent devices may use DHCP tags, astandard method of communicating certain operating instructions withDHCP. They may also support UART (universal asynchronousreceiver-transmitter) communication preferably through the RFconnections to discover from neighbor devices the MAC (Media AccessControl) address, a standardized hardware address that uniquelyidentifies each node of a network, usually being assigned specificallyto the NIC (network device such as a network interface card) of thedevice.

When an intelligent device is powered up, its operating system boots anetwork device, acquires a DHCP IP address, and automatically configuresits internal subnet by DHCP and Autosubnet services provided by theIntelliManager™. The devices register themselves automatically bysending an SNMP cold boot notification to the IntelliManager™, so theIntelliManager™ may identify and query the device, obtaining from itinformation about the network topology that may be displayed on-screenfor the user to view, and may be used for setting up RF pathways betweenreaders and antennae.

For network operations, the intelligent devices, particularly theIntelliRouter™, may support Subnet Masking and a routing protocol suchas RIP (Routing Information Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First),IGRP (Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), EIGRP (Enhanced InteriorGateway Routing Protocol), or any other routing protocol.

Boot-Up and Autodiscovery of IntelliDevices™

FIG. 10 illustrates how, communicating using a standard protocol serversuch as DHCP Server 1000, a group of intelligent devices boot up afterbeing plugged in, connected to the network, and switched on. Each of theintelligent devices acquires a network Internet Protocol address fromthe DHCP server 1000. The intelligent devices include an IntelliRouter™1 (1001) at a first level, connected to additional IntelliRouters™ 2 and3 (1002 and 1003) at a second level. Furthermore IntelliRouter™ 2 isconnected to a series of three IntelliSwitches™ (1011, 1012, 1013).During this initial IP address acquisition, IntelliManager™ 1020 doesnot yet have any information about the intelligent devices, so itsnetwork map 1025 is blank. As an example, LAN subnets may be allocatedto IntelliRouter™ LAN ports.

FIG. 11 illustrates how the intelligent devices each attempt tocommunicate through each of their RF connections (RF input ports and RFoutput ports). If any other IntelliDevices™ are connected to theseports, then each IntelliDevice™ sends its MAC address to nearbyIntelliDevices™, allowing them to discover what IntelliDevices™ they areconnected to on the RF network. For example, IntelliRouters™ 1 and 2(1001 and 1002) swap their MAC addresses, as do all other devices thatare interconnected through RF ports.

FIG. 12 illustrates how the IntelliDevices™ each send a ‘cold boot’ SNMPmessage to the data network to announce their existence toIntelliManager™ 1020, and to announce that they are ready to be queried.

The IntelliManager™ picks up the MAC addresses from the cold bootmessages, and creates objects inside the Object Manager to represent thedevices. IntelliManager™ stores a list of devices from which it receivedannouncements. The IntelliManager™ list of devices 1025 now containslist objects 1001 a, 1002 a, 1003 a (representing the IntelliRouters™)and list objects 1011 a, 1012 a, and 1013 a (representing theIntelliSwitches™).

FIG. 13 illustrates how the IntelliManager™ sends a query to each deviceto get the network topology (neighboring device) information. Eachdevice in turn responds with information about what MAC addresses areconnected to its RF ports. The IntelliManager™ builds a representation1025 of the network topology using the information it receives from theIntelliDevice™ queries. Thus representation 1025 is identical to the RFtopology of the IntelliNetwork™. The representation is then used byIntelliManager™ for RF network route planning.

IntelliRouter™

FIG. 14 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary IntelliRouter™1050. An IntelliRouter™ is a combination digital data router and RFsignal router, or combination router, as described previously herein.The IntelliRouter™ includes a microcontroller 1055, and may becontrolled from outside for example by a computer such as a workstationor server, communicating to the IntelliRouter™ by a digital data networkcomprised of wired or wireless means, such as a standard LAN, MAN, orWAN. Communication may be over the Internet. The IntelliRouter™ maycommunicate digital data in turn to additional IntelliRouters™ orIntelliSwitches™, or these additional devices may communicate separatelyvia the digital data network. In the example shown, the IntelliRouter™has a digital communication capability 1060 with an input D0 and fouroutputs D1-D4. “Input” and “output” are used for convenience indescribing the IntelliRouter™; normally D0-D4 may all be bidirectional.It is understood that any suitable number of ports can be used inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the invention.

The IntelliRouter™ is capable of automatic setup using standard DHCPprotocols and uses a specialized algorithm for address allocation. Itcan route digital data as network data packets. It uses SNMP as its maincommand and control language. It supports network communications toIntelliSwitches™ as well as additional IntelliRouters™, or otherdevices. It is capable of receiving data packets from theIntelliManager™ and routing them in TCP/IP or other serial data formatsto an RFID reader, for instance if the RFID reader does not itselfsupport network communications. The IntelliRouter™ has a switch that canbe activated manually to send a signal to the IntelliManager™,identifying the particular IntelliRouter™ so that it may be highlightedon a configuration table or graphic to help with field setup ortroubleshooting. The IntelliRouter™ monitors itself and its RF signalsor connections, and forwards status and diagnostic information to theIntelliManager™.

One of the capabilities of an IntelliRouter™ is its support for thecreation and destruction of RF paths through the IntelliRouter™, whichis usually used within a network of IntelliRouters™ andIntelliSwitches™. For example, IntelliRouter™ 1050 has one RF input portR0 and four RF output ports R1-R4. The terms “input” and “output” areused in convenience in describing the IntelliRouter™. In a preferredembodiment, R0-R4 may all be bidirectional. RF switching circuitry isprovided as shown by the exemplary block 1065, which is meant to besymbolic and not limiting as to the switch circuitry design. Theswitching circuitry 1065 is under control of microcontroller 1050, whichtypically follows commands from the IntelliManager™.

The IntelliRouter™ supports neighbor-to-neighbor identification over theRF path through ports R0-R4. The IntelliRouter™ exchanges MAC address(or other form of unique identification) information with its neighborsover the RF paths, and then sends this information to theIntelliManager™ which can construct a map of the RF network.

Each of the IntelliRouter™ outputs may be connected to anotherIntelliRouter™ or IntelliSwitch™, or may be connected directly to anRFID antenna. The IntelliRouter™ may have circuitry 1070 for measuringthe tuning characteristics of RF ports to determine whether an outputport should be utilized (i.e. it will not be used if nothing isconnected, or if tuning characteristics are outside defined parameters).

The circuitry 1070 may also measure RF power being applied to an RFantenna port, enabling diagnostics to be performed automatically by theIntelliDevice™ or by the IntelliManager™ software. This also enables theIntelliManager™ to adjust the RF power to an appropriate level, forexample by sending a command to an RFID reader. The IntelliRouter™ mayhave additional circuitry (not shown) for measuring such variables astemperature, voltage, current, etc., and capability to report suchmeasurements to the IntelliManager™.

The IntelliRouter™ may also deliver DC power (for example, 300 milliampsat +12V (not shown)) through the RF output ports when instructed to doso by the IntelliManager™ software. This current, for example, may beused to drive circuitry connected to the antenna.

For a typical IntelliRouter™ 1050, the digital communication block 1060may have one (typically) or more WAN (Wide area network, such asInternet) ports, several (typically four) LAN (Local area network) ports(for connecting to other IntelliRouters™ or IntelliSwitches™), one ormore RF Input ports R0 (typically two), several (typically four) RFoutput ports R1-R4, as well as (not shown) RS232, PS/2, parallel, USB,or other IO ports, and ports for input and output power (with the outputpower being controlled on demand by the IntelliManager™).

For example, an RFID reader (not shown) may be connected to anIntelliRouter™ input port such as R0, and an antenna (not shown) may beconnected to one of its output ports such as R2. However, between theRFID reader and the RF input port R0, or between the RF output port R2and the antenna, there may be additional IntelliRouters™ and/orIntelliSwitches™. When a given reader is to be connected to a givenantenna, the IntelliManager™ route manager passes out instructions toeach router and switch on the network via SNMP to create a path for theRF to follow from reader to antenna. As a node on the IntelliNetwork™,each router receives its own individual internal switching commands forits own RF switching circuitry 1065 to correctly set the node on the RFPath. Some of the IntelliRouter™ multiple RF input and output portsR0-R4 may serve either as inputs or outputs.

The router may send out SNMP messages to the IntelliManager™ about thegeneral status of the IntelliRouter™. These messages may, for example,include the following types.

A switch notification when a pushbutton is pressed, to send a message tothe IntelliManager™, which may then highlight this device on the GUInetwork map for use during installations or diagnostics.

A critical voltage notification, sent if the IntelliRouter™ power supplyexceeds minimum or maximum limits. The IntelliManager™ is able to setthese limits, and to provide a graphical display of any devices out oflimits.

An external power supply error notification, sent if the routers'external power supply has a problem (too much current, too littlecurrent, etc.). The IntelliRouter™ also supplies power to connecteddevices such as readers. It may also monitor the power connections toother devices for voltage, current, and other conditions, and can senderror notifications to the IntelliManager™ if a malfunction is detectedin the power connection or supply.

A temperature alarm, if the maximum allowed temperature has beenreached.

An RF output fault notification, when there is an RF signal problem.

An output port disconnected notification, when an output port state ischanged from connected to disconnected.

A VSWR limit notification, when an RF port has exceeded the high or lowVSWR limit.

A neighbor device output port change notification, when the RF outputport neighbor has changed. The IntelliManager™ indicates if the neighborMAC address is changed or the neighbor device is disconnected.

A neighbor device input port change notification, when the RF input portneighbor has changed. The IntelliManager™ indicates if the neighbor MACaddress is changed or the neighbor device is disconnected.

The IntelliRouter™ has the ability to query other RF network devicesimmediately connected to it. It does this by passing preferably over theRF cable its own MAC address and or the MAC address of the neighbordevice.

When a device is connected or removed, it sends an alert to theIntelliManager™ so that the network topology map can be automaticallyupdated.

IntelliSwitch™

FIG. 15 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary IntelliSwitch™1100. The design, capabilities, and operation of the IntelliSwitch™ arein most respects similar to those of the IntelliRouter™. TheIntelliSwitch™ includes a microcontroller 1105, and combines a digitaldata capability 1110, and RF data switching capability 1115. It mayinclude RF measurement capability 1120. Typically the RF switching may“bypass” the RF signal onto additional IntelliSwitches™ in a daisy-chainfashion, for example connecting RF input port R0 to RF bypass port Rx,or may connect the RF power to one of several RF antennae connected tothe IntelliSwitch™, for example connecting RF input port R0 to RF outputport R5. Its RF ports are typically one input port R0, one bypass portRx, and sixteen output or “antenna” ports, shown in this example asports R1-R8 for simplicity. The invention is not meant to be limited tosixteen ports, but may have fewer or more as appropriate. For example,thirty-two ports may be used. However, the bypass port Rx could leadinstead to another IntelliRouter™, and one or more of the output portsR1-R8 could be connected to another IntelliRouter™ or IntelliSwitch™.

IntelliPad™

FIG. 16 shows a simplified block diagram of an exemplary IntelliPad™1150. An IntelliPad™ may be considered an alternative version of the lowprofile pad described in previous U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/466,760, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. An IntelliPad™ may share many of the configurationcapabilities of the IntelliRouter™ and IntelliSwitch™, including amicrocontroller 1155, digital communications capability 1160, and RFmeasurement circuitry 1170. The IntelliPad™ also contains one or moreantennae, for instance a High Frequency antenna, represented by loopantenna 1180, and an Ultra High Frequency antenna, represented by patchantenna 1190). Thus the IntelliPad™ may be used for reading and writingRFID tags. The IntelliPad™ shown in FIG. 16 includes an HF input port(RH) and an UHF input port (RU) which are connectable to externalreaders (not shown). The IntelliPad™ may also measure the power/currentlevels, etc. as other devices can.

The IntelliPad™ can be connected to the IntelliNetwork™ (or anIntelliManager™ or other controller) for control, to an RF reader, andto a barcode scanner gun. The user may read and/or write EPC and barcodeinformation to and from RFID tags that are placed on the IntelliPad™ orscanned via the scanner gun.

The IntelliPad™ is designed to handle “hands-on” work, such as passingRFID tags over the pad surface to perform various inventory managementfunctions. The IntelliPad™ is preferably read on demand when a userplaces an item on it. Therefore, a reader may be dedicated to theIntelliPad™, or shared by a few IntelliPads™, or the IntelliPad™ mayincorporate interrupt-driven events to cause a “read-on-demand.”IntelliPad™ transactions include an event notification is raisedwhenever the user triggers a barcode scanner attached to theIntelliPad™, and a read-on-demand in response to the event notification.

Sensors

The intelligent devices, as described previously, may have sensors(1070, 1120, 1170) for use in determining RF power and allowing controlof the RF power remotely, measuring RF transmitted power and/or RFreflected power for determining system connectivity, performance, andtuning measurements, to be used to remotely tune components or to makedecisions whether a circuit or an antenna should be used. Centralized RFsignal power management is a part of the IntelliNetwork™, allowingantennae at different distances from a reader to still have equal orotherwise optimized power.

The IntelliDevices™ may also have temperature measurement sensors, forexample to monitor the proper operation of the IntelliDevice™. Voltageand current measurement sensors may likewise be provided to monitorproper operation of various circuitry. Out-of-limits measurements may bereported to the IntelliManager™.

IntelliManager™ Software

The IntelliNetwork™ is controlled by a software component called theIntelliManager™. This software runs on a computer such as a workstation,or on a server, or both. The IntelliManager™ coordinates automaticdiscovery and notification as new devices are deployed on the networkand provides GUI based configuration of RFID devices for ease ofdeployment. The IntelliManager™ is able to set and update customarrangements of products on shelves. The IntelliManager™ also providesmeasuring and reporting of inventory as determined through the RFIDcapabilities of the IntelliNetwork™.

The IntelliManager™ maps the network hardware to a site layout for easyrecognition of devices. IntelliManager™ also handles automatic RF routemanagement and switching, allowing for sharing of a reader over manyantennae, and providing fault tolerant reads in case of an RF readerfail-over or other system problems. Upon receiving the fail-overrecognition the IntelliManager™ may automatically redirect requests fromthe failed or down device or system to other available devices orsystems. It incorporates “plug and play” functionality to auto-announceand identify new devices on the network. If the RF reader supports poweradjustments, the IntelliManager™ may control the reader output power toprovide optimal RF power levels to any antenna, regardless of physicaldistance from the reader.

FIG. 17 depicts a simplified exemplary deployment of IntelliManager™across three sites. An “Enterprise” or centralized IntelliManager™ 1200is shown on a higher level with a database 1205 for inventory data andnetwork configuration information. Also shown at the higher level is“ItemAuthority” software 1210 which manages the distribution andregistration of unique EPC numbers, as described, for example,previously in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/466,760 whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Also shown at thehigher level is “ItemTrack” software 1220 for “track-and-trace”functionality as described, for example, in previous U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/545,100, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Local or site versions of IntelliManager™1241, 1242, and 1243 are shown at a lower level, along with databases1246, 1247, and 1248, respectively, and their collections of networkdevices 1251, 1252, and 1253, respectively.

Also at a relatively high level in the hierarchy, as shown, for example,in FIG. 17, are the IntelliServices™ 1230, a set of web servicesproviding a variety of functions that are used by the IntelliManager™ ateither the Enterprise or Site level, or both. Some of theIntelliServices™ may also open to the third party users.IntelliServices™ 1230 are typically available over the Internet, forexample through the SNMP and TCP/IP layer 1235.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary “stack” of hardware and software componentsas they relate to each other in the IntelliNetwork™.

The IntelliServices™ 1230 are web services and other software thatprovide a user interface, reporting features, and the ability for thirdparty software to access filtered item-level data. IntelliServices™ alsomaintain a configuration database used for certain functions of internalIntelliManager™ components (such as the Object Manager 1320 and RouteManager 1330).

Data Manager 1300 contains a database of current and historical dataread from RFID tags, as well as some configuration information used forreporting.

The Network Device Manager 1310 consists of three functional parts.Configuration manager 1340 creates a Reader/Writer Instance (programobject) for each physical reader in the network, so that the reader maythen be controlled through the Instance telling the reader when to turnon and when to turn off, while the Instance receives RFID data from thereader and passes it to the Data Manager 1300.

Route Manager 1330 determines RF routes that exist between readers andantennae, and chooses a route from an RF reader to each antenna that itserves. The Route Manager also frees up the switched paths after eachuse, and synchronizes the activity of multiple readers for the mostefficient operation.

The Object Manager 1320 is responsible for the discovery of new networkdevices 1390, and maintains status and configuration information for alldevices, including interconnection information. It provides an exemplarysoftware ‘network diagram’ used by the Route Manager to determine RFroutes.

Reader Instance Manager 1350 and Writer Instance Manager 1360 sendrequests to the Route Manager 1330 requesting an RF path from a readerto a specific antenna, allowing use of a reader for multiple antennae bynetworking connections from one antenna to another.

The SNMP interface 1370 sends commands to all network devices using theSimple Network Management Protocol, an industry standard method ofcontrolling and monitoring networked devices. Communications with TCI/IP(1380) may be used in some cases, for example, between a Reader Instanceand a reader. Network Devices 1390 include RF Readers, as well asIntelliRouters™, IntelliSwitches™, IntelliPads™, and shelf assemblieswith antenna configurations tailored to the actual fixtures (shelves,storage racks, bins, etc).

FIG. 19 shows a block diagram of certain interactions of the NetworkDevice Manager 1310 that pertain to reading tags. The NDM handlescommunications to IntelliNetwork™ devices including IntelliRouter™,IntelliSwitch™, and IntelliPad™. When an IntelliManager™ starts up, theNDM will request from the IntelliServices™ 1230 any information that hasbeen stored about previously discovered devices. However, the NDM alsoprovides active device discovery through the IntelliNetwork™. Atstartup, the routers and switches are detected (discovered) as describedpreviously, as depicted by arrows (1) and (2). Each device determinesits neighboring devices, and transfers this information to the NDM(arrow 3). During operation the NDM continues to monitor the devices tobe aware of any new devices added to the IntelliNetwork™, or any devicesthat become disconnected. Besides maintaining device discoveryinformation, the NDM also provides commands to the IntelliNetwork™devices to cause RFID data to be read by the system.

The Route Manager 1330 acts as a traffic controller managing theavailable routes between readers and antennae. It ‘intelligently’determines and maps the most efficient method of routing RF from areader to any desired antenna which can be connected to that reader.After the read process is complete for the antenna, the Route Managerreleases the path to make other pathways available for the next antennaeto be read. The Route Manager synchronizes multiple readers so that theymay read simultaneously in the most efficient manner.

The Object Manager 1320 controls discovery of new devices on thenetwork, and for each device, maintains a record of current status andall necessary device information. When the IntelliNetwork™ powers up,and during its operation, the Object Manager oversees an auto-discoveryprocess. Individual devices methodically communicate with each other todetermine their neighboring devices, and then communicate thisinformation to the Object Manager, a process which results in automaticdevice discovery and network mapping. The system literally knows howdevices are connected to each other across the RF network.

Thereafter, the Object Manager 1320 holds a representation of everyphysical device on the IntelliNetwork™, along with a table or map of theinterconnections between devices. The Route Manager 1330 consults thistable or map to determine an RF route to connect a reader to an antenna.This diagram is also used to provide graphical representations of theIntelliNetwork™ during system configuration.

As shown by arrow 4, the Configuration Manager 1340 instructs the ReaderInstance Manager 1350 to creates a Reader Instance 1355 (a softwarerepresentation of a reader) for each physical reader in the network, andsends setup information to the reader instance. Thereafter, the ReaderInstance controls the reader, telling the reader when to turn on andwhen to turn off. The turn on/turn off sequence is synchronized withseveral other factors—first the IntelliRouters™ and IntelliSwitches™must create an RF path to a desired antenna. Then the reader may beturned on and instructed to read all tags in view. After theIntelliManager™ determines that all tag data has been collected, thereader is turned off, and the RF path through the IntelliRouters™ andIntelliSwitches™ is “destroyed” (the switched paths are opened).

The Reader instance manager 1350 first sends configuration data to eachreader instance 1355, (also step 4) indicating which antennae to readand when to read them. Each reader instance then may operateautonomously as denoted by arrow 5. In step 6 the reader instance asksthe Route Manager 1330 to provide an RF path from the reader to aspecific antenna. Each instance thus may direct its reader's attentiontoward multiple antennae in sequence (zone sets), while the RouteManager arranges for RF connections to be made to the desired antenna.The Route Manager initially creates a table of routes, then updates thistable as needed, for example if RF connections are changed. The RouteManager may cooperate (step 7) with the configuration manager 1340 forthis and other operations. When a reader instance requests an RF path,the Route Manager having determined a suitable path then in step 8 tellsthe Object manager 1320 what path is needed. In step 9 the ObjectManager sends instructions through SNMP layer 1370 to network devices1390, instructing the network devices on how to set up the RF path. Instep 10, the Reader Instance 1355, in control of its reader (not shown)via TCP/IP 1380 or other protocol, performs an RFID read operation forall tags within range of the antenna. The reader instance receives backthe EPC data, and in step 11 passes it on to the Data Manager. It mayalso instruct the reader to turn off or go to standby.

FIG. 20 shows a flow chart of a read operation, which starts in step1400 with a request to read a zone (that is, a space served by aparticular antenna or antennae). This zone is assigned in step 1405 to aparticular reader instance (or it may have been previously assigned). Instep 1410 the Reader Instance asks the Route Manager for a path to theantenna.

In step 1415, the Route Manager determines (or has already determined)an appropriate RF path between the reader being used, and the specifiedantenna. In step 1420 the network devices are instructed to set up theRF path. These instructions and several which follow are passed throughobject manager 1320, and SNMP layer 1370, to the Network devices 1390.

SNMP commands are sent to each IntelliDevice™ along the RF path,indicating which ports to connect to create the path. TheIntelliRouter™(s) and IntelliSwitch™(es) create the requested path tothe antenna. In step 1425, a verification is made that the path has beenset correctly. In step 1430, the reader instance is informed that thepath is ready, at which time the reader is given a read command. In step1435, the read occurs, with the RF signal traveling through the createdRF pathway. Tag data, received back to the reader, is passed to theReader Instance and from there to the Data Manager.

In step 1440, the Reader Instance Manager having finished the read,sends a path destruction request to the Route Manager, which in turnsends SNMP disconnect commands to IntelliDevices™ on the path. TheIntelliRouters™ and IntelliSwitches™ along the path route the SNMPcommands. The path is destroyed, and in step 1450 the read is finishedand the IntelliDevices™ are available for another read.

Zone Management

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of two reader instances each reading adifferent set of zones. Reader instance 1350 has, in the example,created two reader instances 1351 and 1352. Reader instance 1351 isassigned to read a zone set 1353 comprised of eight antennae, whilereader instance 1352 is assigned to read a zone set 1354 also comprisedof eight antennae. The reader instances, each with its own reader, mayoperate independently, while the Route Manager provides the RF paths andprevents path contention (e.g., signals competing for the same path).

FIG. 22 shows a block diagram illustrating RF path creation. Readerinstance manager 1350 again is shown with two reader instances 1351 and1352. In the example, reader instance 1351 requests an RF path toantenna 1015. The Route manager 1330 on receiving the request sendsinstructions through the SNMP layer 1370 to the devices that it hasdetermined to be on the RF path, that is, IntelliRouter™ 1004 andIntelliSwitch™ 1014. The appropriate circuits are set within thesedevices to create an RF path from Reader 50, through IntelliRouter™1004, through IntelliSwitch™ 1014, and then to Antenna 1015.

FIG. 23 shows a block diagram illustrating RF path destruction. When thereader instance 1351 finishes with reading antenna 1015, it requeststhat the RF path to antenna 1015 be released. The Route manager 1330 onreceiving the request sends instructions through the SNMP layer 1370 tothe devices on the RF path, that is, IntelliRouter™ 1004 andIntelliSwitch™ 1014. The appropriate circuits are released within thesedevices to “destroy” the RF path that was just used. The devices arethen ready for another read request.

A graphical user interface (GUI) permits user to view theIntelliNetwork™ through a representation of “real world” devices. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 24, configuration files 1500 such as XML filesdefine the physical layout of a site such as a retail store, down to theshelf and zone level. During configuration of the system, the userdefines which devices (such as IntelliRouters™ (not shown),IntelliSwitches™ (1014, 1018, 1019), Antennae (1015, 1016), etc, areassociated with display fixtures such as shelves in a store. TheIntelliManager™ provides a GUI representation 1510 so that the user mayview the configuration and inventory results in a format (displayfixtures, shelves) familiar to them, rather than as an electricaldiagram.

Fault reporting supported in IntelliManager™ captures problems thatprevent reading item level tags. For example, IntelliManager™ supports aset of notifications that let it detect problems specifically affectingtag reading. More importantly, because of the mapping of antennae tospecific hardware, IntelliManager™ is able to apply business context tothe errors that are received. For example, where an EMS is able toreport a fault with a specific device, the IntelliManager™ is able toprovide a layer of context that shows which particular physical shelfassembly and products currently on the shelf (such as DVDs) are affectedby the fault.

During installation, the ports of the IntelliRouters™ andIntelliSwitches™ are mapped to the actual ports and antennae of theshelf assemblies. At installation, the shelf assemblies are mapped tothe IntelliRouter™ and IntelliSwitches™ to which they are connected.

When messages from the network devices arrive, the system is able toshow the faults on the IntelliManager™ user interface in the form ofcolor-coded network device faults, as well as showing the shelvesaffected by the faults.

FIG. 25 illustrates how any faults on the network devices 1390 arereported through the SNMP layer 1370, and the Network Device Manager1310, up through IntelliServices™ 1230 (including web services 1231).The fault notifications arrive at the IntelliManager™ GUI 1235 which candisplay them to a user in “real-world” fashion 1515, for example,showing exactly which gondola, shelf, or zone is faulty.

A zone management interface handles the configuration of the antennanetwork to provide the user with the ability to control the wayindividual zones operate. The antennae of item level shelf assembliesare by necessity close to each other, to be able to give an accuratelocation resolution for each item. Because shelf designs and producttypes are different sizes and shapes depending on the application (DVDshelves are one size, music CDs another), the density of antennae mayalso change. When the antennae are very close to each other, it ispossible, due to the nature of the RF field, for more than one antennato power and interrogate the same passive tag as the read cycleprogresses. For example, if three antennae were powering and reading asingle tag, the system would show the same product in three differentzones. To correct this inaccuracy IntelliManager™ applies sophisticatedfiltering algorithms at the reader instance level. The reader instancewill often read multiple zones before sending the resulting read data onto the Network Device Manager.

The user is able to increase accuracy by sampling the read data multipletimes before confirming that the product reporting at that location isaccurate. The IntelliManager™ user interface provides sampling and readthreshold controls the user can adjust, allowing control over thesampling process. For example, with Samples per Read set to 5 and Hitsper Read set to 4, the reader instance will read the zone 5 times oneafter the other, capturing the product reported at the zone. Any of theitem level products that are reported at least 4 times, are reported aspresent to the data manager.

Related Zones are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/568,847 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.Related zones describe which antennae are close to each other and may beable to read the tags of a zone nearby. Each assembly configuration willinclude some obvious internal related zones but may not include lessobvious related zones on separate shelf assemblies or shelves. The useris able to select a zone and then mark which zones are consideredrelated by selecting two assemblies and associating them with eachother.

Hot zones may also be defined, which are represented by a zone that willbe read more often than another zone. In a given reader cycle, each zoneis by default read with equal priority. It is possible within theapplication to specify that a zone is read more than once per cycle.

Inventory Reporting—Replenishment

As the customers in the store take goods from the shelf, the store staffuses the replenishment report to identify which products need to begathered from the back room. It also informs them where in the front ofthe store to place these items to bring the shelves to full inventory.Because of the graphical interpretation, it is easy to see what parts ofthe store are affected.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, other kinds of electricalpower (e.g., direct current (DC)) may be used by the antenna system inaddition to (or substitution for) RF power. For example, direct current(DC) may be used by the gondola controller 30, as well as by the shelfcontrollers 40 a, etc. and the antenna boards 20. One or more dedicatedwires may provide such electrical power, or it may be incorporated intothe digital communication highway or with an RF cable. An RF cable maybe configured using two conductors (e.g., coaxial cable), wherein boththe center conductor and the sheath conductor are utilized in thesystem. While the RF cable carries an RF signal, a DC voltage may besuperimposed on the RF signal, in the same RF cable, to provide DC powerto intelligent stations. Voltage regulators may subsequently be used tocontrol or decrease excessive voltages to within usable limits. The RFand data communications could also be combined into a single cable thatwould carry the RF and digital data. This combination could beaccomplished by converting the digital data into an RF signal that is ata frequency that does not interfere with the RFID reader. The RF signalcould then be received by the routers and converted back into thedigital data stream. The RF, data, and power lines could also all becombined into a single communication channel.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described andillustrated, it should be apparent that many modifications to theembodiments and implementations of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Any combination ofthe router or switching functionality in between a reader and antennacan be used in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention.Any number of the same or combination of different antenna systems orstructures (e.g., loop, serpentine, slot, etc., or variations of suchstructures) may be implemented on an individual shelf, antenna board,shelf back, divider or other supporting structure.

Although embodiments have been described in connection with the use of aparticular exemplary shelf structure, it should be readily apparent thatany shelf structure, rack, etc. (or any structure) may be used inselling, marketing, promoting, displaying, presenting, providing,retaining, securing, storing, or otherwise supporting an item or productor used in implementing embodiments of the invention.

Although specific circuitry, components, or modules may be disclosedherein in connection with exemplary embodiments of the invention, itshould be readily apparent that any other structural or functionallyequivalent circuit(s), component(s) or module(s) may be utilized inimplementing the various embodiments of the invention.

The modules described herein, particularly those illustrated or inherentin, or apparent from the instant disclosure, as physically separatedcomponents, may be omitted, combined or further separated into a varietyof different components, sharing different resources as required for theparticular implementation of the embodiments disclosed (or apparent fromthe teachings herein). The modules described herein, may, whereappropriate (e.g., reader 50, primary controller 100, inventory controlprocessing unit 130, data store 140, combination routers 600, 601, 602,logical unit 605, data router 610, RF router 650, etc.) be one or morehardware, software, or hybrid components residing in (or distributedamong) one or more local and/or remote computer or other processingsystems. Although such modules may be shown or described herein asphysically separated components (e.g., data store 140, inventoryprocessing unit 130, primary controller 100, reader 50, gondolacontroller 30, shelf controller 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, etc.), it should bereadily apparent that the modules may be omitted, combined or furtherseparated into a variety of different components, sharing differentresources (including processing units, memory, clock devices, softwareroutines, etc.) as required for the particular implementation of theembodiments disclosed (or apparent from the teachings herein). Indeed,even a single general purpose computer (or other processor-controlleddevice such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)),whether connected directly to antennae 10, antenna boards 20, gondolas70, or connected through a network 120, executing a program stored on anarticle of manufacture (e.g., recording medium such as a CD-ROM,DVD-ROM, memory cartridge, etc.) to produce the functionality referredto herein may be utilized to implement the illustrated embodiments.

One skilled in the art would recognize that inventory control processingunit 130 could be implemented on a general purpose computer systemconnected to an electronic network 120, such as a computer network. Thecomputer network can also be a public network, such as the Internet orMetropolitan Area Network (MAN), or other private network, such as acorporate Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN),Bluetooth, or even a virtual private network. A computer system includesa central processing unit (CPU) connected to a system memory. The systemmemory typically contains an operating system, a BIOS driver, andapplication programs. In addition, the computer system contains inputdevices such as a mouse and a keyboard, and output devices such as aprinter and a display monitor. The processing devices described hereinmay be any device used to process information (e.g., microprocessor,discrete logic circuit, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),programmable logic circuit, digital signal processor (DSP), MicroChipTechnology Inc. PICmicro® Microcontroller, Intel Microprocessor, etc.).

The computer system generally includes a communications interface, suchas an Ethernet card, to communicate to the electronic network 120. Othercomputer systems may also be connected to the electronic network 120.One skilled in the art would recognize that the above system describesthe typical components of a computer system connected to an electronicnetwork. It should be appreciated that many other similar configurationsare within the abilities of one skilled in the art and all of theseconfigurations could be used with the methods and systems of theinvention. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the computer andnetwork systems (as well as any of their components) as disclosed hereincan be programmed and configured as an inventory control processing unitto perform inventory control related functions that are well known tothose skilled in the art.

In addition, one skilled in the art would recognize that the “computer”implemented invention described herein may include components that arenot computers per se but also include devices such as Internetappliances and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) that may be used toprovide one or more of the functionalities discussed herein.Furthermore, while “electronic” networks are generically used to referto the communications network connecting the processing sites of theinvention, one skilled in the art would recognize that such networkscould be implemented using optical or other equivalent technologies.Likewise, it is also to be understood that the invention utilizes knownsecurity measures for transmission of electronic data across networks.Therefore, encryption, authentication, verification, and other securitymeasures for transmission of electronic data across both public andprivate networks are provided, where necessary, using techniques thatare well known to those skilled in the art.

Moreover, the operational flow and method shown in, and described withrespect to, FIG. 9, for example, can be modified to include additionalsteps, to change the sequence of the individual steps as well ascombining (or subdividing), simultaneously running, omitting, orotherwise modifying the individual steps shown and described inaccordance with the invention. Numerous alternative methods may beemployed to produce the outcomes described with respect to the preferredembodiments illustrated above or equivalent outcomes.

It is to be understood therefore that the invention is not limited tothe particular embodiments disclosed (or apparent from the disclosure)herein, but only limited by the claims appended hereto.

1. A network for transporting RF data and digital signal data, thenetwork comprising: a plurality of network devices for receiving andcommunicating signals over the network, wherein each network device hasa unique address, wherein the plurality of network devices includes: aplurality of RFID antennae assemblies, each RFID antennae assemblyincluding a plurality of RFID antennas; two combination routers thateach have the capability of processing command data signals andfacilitating the transporting of both the RF data and the digital signaldata, including command data signals, and wherein the at least twocombination routers each further includes at least two bidirectional RFinput ports, at least two bidirectional digital input ports, at leasttwo bidirectional RF output ports and at least two bidirectional digitaloutput ports, and further including logic, responsive to certain commanddata signals, for dynamically switching certain RF data between one ofthe bidirectional RF input ports and one of the bidirectional RF outputports, and certain digital signal data between one of the bidirectionaldigital input ports and one of the bidirectional digital output ports;an RFID reader connected to one of the bidirectional RF input ports ofeach of the two combination routers for receiving read RF data fromvarious ones of the plurality of RFID antennas through different RFroutes, each of the different RF routes including one of the twocombination routers, and wherein the RFID reader can further translatethe read RF data into read digital data signals; and a manager unit forcontrolling the network and for coordinating identification andnotification of the plurality of network devices, including theplurality of RFID antennas, the at least two combination routers and theRFID reader, wherein the manager unit ensures that appropriateconnections occur between each of the plurality of RFID antennas and theRFID reader at appropriate times to establish the RF routes.
 2. Thenetwork of claim 1, further comprising: a protocol server for assigningprotocol addresses to activated ones of the plurality of networkdevices.
 3. The network of claim 1, wherein the manager unit querieseach activated network device to determine a network topology and mapsthe network topology to a site layout to recognize network devices. 4.The network of claim 1, wherein the manager unit comprises: aconfiguration manager for controlling activation/deactivation of theRFID reader; a route manager for determining and selecting the RF routesbetween the RFID reader and each of the plurality of RFID antenna,wherein the route manager tears down selected routes after use; and anobject manager for discovering new network devices on the network, andfor maintaining status and configuration of such network devices.
 5. Thenetwork of claim 4, wherein the manager unit provides faultnotification.
 6. The network of claim 5, wherein the fault notificationcomprises a fail-over recognition.
 7. The network claim of 6, whereinupon receiving the fail-over recognition the configuration managerautomatically redirects requests from a failed or down device or systemto other available devices or systems.
 8. The network of claim 1,wherein each activated one of the plurality of network devicesidentifies neighboring active network devices and provides informationof such neighboring devices to the manager unit.
 9. The network of claim8, wherein each of the combination router exchanges protocol addressinformation with a neighboring network device and sends the informationof such neighboring device to the manager unit.
 10. The network of claim1, wherein at least one of the plurality of network devices includessensors for at least one of: determining RF power; allowing remotecontrol of RF power of the network device; and measuring RF forward andRF reverse power for determining system connectivity, performance andtuning measurements.
 11. The network of claim 1 further includinganother RFID reader, the another RFID reader being connected to one ofthe bidirectional RF input ports of each of the two combination routersfor receiving some of the read RF data from various ones of theplurality of RFID antennas through the different RF routes, each of thedifferent RF routes including one of the two combination routers, andwherein the another RFID reader can further translate the read RF datainto read digital data signals.
 12. The network of claim 11 wherein atleast one of the combination routers, when switching configurations toestablish another RF route, similarly switches both an RF data path anda digital data path within the at least one combination router tofacilitate the transporting of both the RF data and the digital signaldata.
 13. The network of claim 11 further including a third combinationrouter, the third combination router having the capability of processingcommand data signals and facilitating the transporting of both the RFdata and the digital signal data, including command data signals, andwherein the third combination router further includes at least twobidirectional RF input ports, at least two bidirectional digital inputports, at least two bidirectional RF output ports and at least twobidirectional digital output ports, and further including logic,responsive to certain command data signals, for dynamically switchingsome certain RF data between one of the bidirectional RF input ports andone of the bidirectional RF output ports, and some certain digitalsignal data between one of the bidirectional digital input ports and oneof the bidirectional digital output ports.
 14. The network according toclaim 13 wherein one of the bidirectional RF input ports of the thirdcombination router is connected to one of the bidirectional RF outputports of each of the two combination routers, and one of thebidirectional digital input ports of the third combination router isconnected to one of the bidirectional digital output ports of each ofthe two combination routers.
 15. The network of claim 1 furtherincluding a third combination router, the third combination routerhaving the capability of processing command data signals andfacilitating the transporting of both the RF data and the digital signaldata, including command data signals, and wherein the third combinationrouter further includes at least two bidirectional RF input ports, atleast two bidirectional digital input ports, at least two bidirectionalRF output ports and at least two bidirectional digital output ports, andfurther including logic, responsive to certain command data signals, fordynamically switching some certain RF data between one of thebidirectional RF input ports and one of the bidirectional RF outputports, and some certain digital signal data between one of thebidirectional digital input ports and one of the bidirectional digitaloutput ports.
 16. The network according to claim 15 wherein one of thebidirectional RF input ports of the third combination router isconnected to one of the bidirectional RF output ports of each of the twocombination routers, and one of the bidirectional digital input ports ofthe third combination router is connected to one of the bidirectionaldigital output ports of each of the two combination routers.
 17. Thenetwork of claim 15 wherein at least one of the combination routers,when switching configurations to establish another RF route, similarlyswitches both an RF data path and a digital data path within the atleast one combination router to facilitate the transporting of both theRF data and the digital signal data.
 18. The network of claim 1 whereinat least one of the combination routers, when switching configurationsto establish another RF route, similarly switches both an RF data pathand a digital data path within the at least one combination router tofacilitate the transporting of both the RF data and the digital signaldata.
 19. The network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of networkdevices include at least one antenna controller disposed between some ofthe plurality of RFID antennas and one of the combination routers. 20.The network of claim 1 wherein the at least one antenna controller isconnected to one of the bidirectional digital output ports and one ofthe RFID digital output ports, such that the antenna controller receivessome of the digital data and can transmit some certain RF data to theone combination router.
 21. The network of claim 20 wherein the onecombination router, when switching configurations to establish an RFroute with the at least one antenna controller, similarly switches bothan RF data path and a digital data path within the one combinationrouter to facilitate the transporting of both the RF data and thedigital signal data.
 22. The network of claim 20 wherein the at leastone antenna controller is a shelf controller.